OPEN FOR BUSINESS NEW HAMPSHIRE

Sig Sauer N.H. Expansion Proposal

Prepared by: N.H. Department of Business and Economic Affairs and City of Rochester, New Hampshire, September 23, 2020

BREAKING GROUND BREAKING BARRIERS & LIVING FREE Sig Sauer and N.H.

“Live Free or Die.” It’s more than just four words on our license plate. For people of New Hampshire, it is a genuine way of life.

New Hampshire is proud to have Sig Sauer as one of the largest employers in the manufacturing sector and a significant contribution to the New Hampshire economy. We are excited about Sig’s expansion and we look forward to helping with this important project.

It is our understanding that Sig is considering occupying space at 7 Amarosa Drive in Rochester and hiring approximately 300 new employees. The priorities in making a decision on this location includes financial incentives and talent attraction. This proposal outlines how the State of New Hampshire and the City of Rochester will partner to address your priorities.

Small, focused government. Predictable regulation. No broad-based taxes. Access to a highly qualified workforce and world-class training. That’s enterprise freedom that you can only find here in New Hampshire.

We hope the Sig Sauer’s team will choose Rochester, New Hampshire for this exciting project and we stand ready to help.

Best regards,

1 September 15, 2020

Mr. Ron J. Cohen CEO Sig Sauer Inc. 72 Pease Boulevard Newington, NH 03801

Dear Mr. Cohen:

I would like to express both my and the City Council’s excitement at the opportunity to present to you and your team an explanation as to why Rochester is the best fit for your planned expansion.

Rochester has a long and robust manufacturing history. Over the past 150 years, we have hosted factories skilled in the production of shoes, firearms, textiles, plastics, lumber, cola, and bricks.

More recently, Rochester attracted advanced composite and aerospace companies Albany Engineered Composites and Safran Aerospace Composites. For Safran, the City partnered with the NH Business Financing Authority (BFA) to assist with land and infrastructure costs associated with the build.

Another more recent deal between the BFA and the City will assist LDI Solutions of Portsmouth in the financing and construction of a new facility in our Granite State Business Park.

Our City Council and Staff have worked very hard to create an environment that promotes business retention, expansion, and attraction. We achieve this through targeted investments in land and property, review and editing of ordinances, streamlining of processes, and remaining open to deals that will benefit the taxpayer while bolstering the local economy.

Feel free to contact myself or Mike Scala, our Director of Economic Development, with any questions you or your group may have. He can be reached at either 603-335-7522 or [email protected].

2 Once again, thank you for considering Rochester in your expansion plans, and we look forward to demonstrating why Rochester is the best choice for Sig Sauer.

Sincerely,

Caroline McCarley Mayor, City of Rochester

3 September 21, 2020

Sig Sauer Proposal City of Rochester, New Hampshire

Summary

On July 21, 2020, representatives from Sig Sauer Inc. and the City of Rochester (City) met to discuss the construction of a manufacturing facility through the redevelopment of 7 Amarosa Drive.

During the call, Sig Sauer presented an outline of their expansion plans and requested input from the City regarding a proposed Payment in lieu of Taxes (PILOT) and select infrastructure improvements.

The City created a working group tasked with formulating an outline of the structure, benefits, and incentives of the City’s proposal. That proposal is described below.

Benefits

Rochester is a historic city with a rich history of manufacturing that boasts a talented workforce skilled in many disciplines and fields.

This culture is supported through partnerships with Great Bay Community College and Spaulding High School’s Creteau Regional Technical Center. Both schools promote the training of students in a variety of technical fields including welding, manufacturing, engineering, and design. New programs are developed as necessary through collaboration with our local manufacturers and businesses in order to satisfy their workforce requirements and needs.

Rochester also has the benefit of being situated along 5 major transportation corridors that provide quick and efficient access to most points in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

The City has worked very hard to streamline its planning and zoning approval process and can provide a quick application turnaround by utilizing its Technical Review Group. This group works with the builders to ensure a smooth Planning Board experience.

4 Conclusion

Over the last decade Rochester has shown the ability to work with new and existing businesses to the benefit of all. We feel this is a competitive proposal that adheres to both the needs of our community and Sig Sauer. We also feel that the offer preserves a level of revenue contribution that mitigates property tax burden shift to the citizens of Rochester, while providing Sig Sauer with attractive incentives to expand its operations to the City of Rochester.

Please contact me at [email protected] or 603-335-7522 with any questions.

Sincerely, Michael Scala Director of Economic Development

5 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS LOCATION ADVANTAGES

Rochester is a helpful location for Sig Sauer’s expansion offering employees working in the Dover plant an easy transition and attract new labor living north and west.

6 ACCESS TO A WORLD- A PRO-BUSINESS, CLASS WORKFORCE LOW-TAX ENVIRONMENT

Attracting skilled talent is a critical New Hampshire has maintained the issue to Sig Sauer and New Hampshire most advantageous tax environment understands that Sig is only as good as in America for over 200 years. No its people. The advantage to recruiting income tax means real savings to talent in the Rochester, New every member of your business who Hampshire is that Sig can tap into a resides in New Hampshire. No sales wider labor base from the New tax means every purchase, from Hampshire Lakes Region as well as the stainless steel bioreactors to firearms, Dover area. Rochester is also has a is tax free. These benefits will manufacturing base that will help translate into tax advantages that attract young talent. your business will realize in New Hampshire – with no expiration date, no special contingencies, and no gimmicks.

A QUALITY OF LIFE ATTRACTS SKILLED TALENT

New Hampshire is consistently ranked as one of the best states to live in. Our quality of life has become the gold standard to which others aspire. Our residents and employers enjoy something few states can offer: access to variety within proximity. It’s just a short drive from the 4,000 foot peaks of our White Mountains to over 900 legendary lakes to 18 miles of pristine New coastline. The combination of the endless activities, culture and history, with the access to excellent education, healthcare, and infrastructure, gives you the best place to live, work, play, and raise a family.

“New Hampshire is large enough to meet your business needs from a financial, infrastructure and workforce perspective, yet small enough to make decisions quickly and be creative.” DEAN KAMEN Dean Kamen, the inventor of the first drug infusion pump and former New Yorker, was still in college in Worcester, Massachusetts in the late 1970’s when he first saw New Hampshire’s state motto on a license plate: “Live Free or Die.” That quote brought him to , New Hampshire, in 1981 where he bought a rundown textile mill and changed the direction of Manchester from a mill town to a top ranked high-tech city.

7 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ENTERPRISE FREEDOM

How does New Hampshire approach government incentives?

New Hampshire offers a fundamentally The U.S. Tax Foundation different approach to government and ranks New Hampshire’s taxes. One that celebrates “Enterprise business tax climate 6th Freedom.” lowest nationally and 1st in . Why? Other states likes New Jersey, New York, and Arkansas, collect general broad-based taxes from NEW their citizens and businesses, and then handpick targeted subsidies to special interests who are HAMPSHIR E selected as “winners” in a government dominated process. HAS

Our government process does not pick winners and losers. Instead, every citizen and every business is a winner. Our entire community – • No use tax businesses, employees, citizens – are all in it together. This is “Enterprise Freedom”. • No sales tax • No estate tax • No internet access tax • No capital gains tax • Low business tax • No personal income tax • No tax on personal property and machinery

8 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS FINANCIAL INCENTIVES-STATE

What does the State of New Hampshire offer to help with the financial impact of upfront capital investment?

Economic Partnership with the State of New Hampshire

Real Estate Structure

Understanding that Sig is making significant investments in the Rochester property, and New Hampshire’s economy as a whole, the New Hampshire Business Finance Authority (BFA) is proposing an innovative economic partnership that provides Sig with significant financial advantages. Here is how the arrangement will work:

1. The BFA finances the building purchase and tenant improvements with a combination of state guaranteed bonds and other capital. The estimated cost is: $19,000,000. 2. Sig leases the building for 10 years from BFA. 3. Sig’s lease payments are equal to the cost of financing. 4. During the ten year term, Sig may purchase the building from BFA at the original construction price with no markup. If Sig chooses not to purchase, there will be a penalty fee.

9 Financial advantages:

1. Sig does not have to provide the upfront capital to purchase the building, allowing the company to invest that capital elsewhere at a significantly higher return on investment. 2. Sig’s annual cost of occupancy is dramatically lower than purchasing the building themselves. As Sig’s partner, the State of New Hampshire temporarily owns the building for Sig. 3. The lease payments can be fully deducted as an expense, creating significant tax advantages. 4. After acquiring the building during the ten year lease, Sig can still depreciate the building and gain those tax advantages as well. 5. Sig retains the ability to make any improvements and investments into the real estate that they would like.

Sig Sauer savings over the ten year lease term: $8.5million, not including local real estate property exemption savings.

9 Per New Hampshire statute, any building owned by the BFA and leased to a private party is exempt from property taxes. However the same statute requires the Tenant (Sig Sauer) enter into negotiations with the City of Rochester and pay a mutually agreed upon “fair share” of local taxes. While Sig may choose to simply pay the going property tax rate, the BFA leasing mechanism grants Sig the legal structure to pursue a different negotiation with the City of Rochester if they so choose. Rochester has a proposal for tax relief in this proposal.

As a recent example, BAE Systems in Manchester recently employed this exact leasing structure with the NH BFA. Through negotiations BAE and the City of Manchester agreed to freeze BAE’s annual property tax payment for 10 years, creating significant savings over the long run. BAE also has the ability to make improvements in the property during that time without being subject to increased property valuations.

Timing

Given that the timeline is a very high priority to Sig Sauer, BFA recognizes that speed and agility are an essential ingredient when partnering on a project. The approval process is clear, quick, and predictable. For this type of transaction, Sig can expect the process to take between 60 and 90 days. BFA will work in parallel with Sig’s existing plans, dovetailing the schedule so closing can occur whenever is most advantageous for Sig. James Key-Wallace, BFA Executive Director, will be the lead in facilitating this transaction.

11 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS FINANCIAL INCENTIVES-CITY

What does the City of Rochester offer to help with the financial impact of upfront capital investment?

City Infrastructure investment to Sig building

Water/Sewer Improvements

The City agrees to extend the Water/Sewer (W/S) connection from the main line on Route 125 to a yet to be determined point along the lot line of 7 Amarosa Drive.

The estimated cost for this extension is $250,000. This project will be funded by the City using Retained Earnings from both the Water and Sewer funds.

Once the City and Sig Sauer solidify an agreement, Economic Development will work with DPW to design and construct the extension of the water and sewer utilities within an accelerated timeframe.

Note that City Ordinance 200-6:C stipulates that costs associated with new water and sewer connections from the property line to the customer’s building are the responsibility of the customer.

Local Tax Exemptions

PILOT agreement:

Per RSA 162-I:15, any property owned by the NH Business Finance Authority (BFA) is tax- exempt and requires a PILOT agreement between the municipality and tenant for the tenant’s share of the public expenses.

12 The PILOT agreement will match the length of the BFA loan and is based on a 10-year term. In the event Sig Sauer purchases the property from BFA prior to the end of the 10-year note, the building will be evaluated, assessed, and taxed using the City’s usual process.

PILOT Analysis:

The goal of a negotiated PILOT agreement is to establish a fair and equitable revenue contribution that is otherwise lost under the tax exempt status. A PILOT agreement mitigates the tax burden shift that results from a tax exempt status.

The current total assessed value for 7 Amarosa is $6,472,000, with the property generating property tax revenue of approximately $160,000 annually. The building is classed as vacant and has had a 30% Demand Reduction calculated into the building’s assessed value. Once occupied, the Demand Reduction would be removed and the assessed value of the building and land would increase to $8,639,328.

Facility improvements, as well as the change in use from warehouse/retail to manufacturing, is estimated to result in an increased assessed value of $13,639,328. This assessed value will be non- taxable while under BFA ownership.

A projection was done for years 1-5 and years 6-10 in attempt to determine the amount of property tax revenue the City would fail to realize while property is in a tax exempt status (see PILOT Forecast Chart on page 15). The forecast kept the $13,639,328 assessment flat over the 10-year term, and utilized a tax rate escalator of 3% through years 2-5. In years 6-10, the 5th year tax rate was used as a flat amount against a flat assessed value of $13,639,328. The estimated property tax revenue over the 10 year period that would have been generated if full property taxation was applied is estimated at $3,802,551.

PILOT (Years 1-5):

The City’s proposed PILOT for the first 5 years of the BFA loan would total $250,000 ($50,000 annually). The intent of this low initial amount is to provide an incentive to Sig Sauer on the front end of the 10-year deal. This PILOT amount would yield an estimated 5-year savings off the full assessed value of $1,595,990.

PILOT (Years 6-10):

Starting at Year 6, the PILOT base will reset to $275,000 for the year. A 3.5% escalator will be applied, each year to Years 7- 10. The goal of the PILOT in Years 6-10 is to generate revenue at 75% of what a full assessed value calculation would yield for the same period. Sig Sauer would realize additional cost avoidance of approximately $481,883 during Years 6-10. The grand total of the full property tax cost avoidance over the 10-year term is estimated to be $2,077,873. However, depending on the actual valuations and tax rates this amount could be higher.

13 Sig Sauer’s partnership with the city of Rochester:

As a result of the proposed property tax incentives extended to Sig Sauer, the City asks that Sig Sauer provide a $500,000 contribution for infrastructure improvements to the Amarosa/Route 125/Salmon Falls Road intersection.

A 2014 Route 125 Corridor Study previously recommended that a future rework of this intersection would be necessary. Both the City’s Department of Public Works and Planning Department believe that the increased traffic associated with the increase of workforce at 7 Amarosa will likely expand the scope of these improvements, as well as accelerate the need to reconstruct the intersection. The cost of re-construction of the intersection is estimated to be over $1 million dollars.

Sig Sauer’s contribution would consist of two $250,000 payments due during Years 2 and 3 of the PILOT agreement.

The redevelopment of 7 Amarosa will be subject to all normal permitting and impact fees and will require a Planning Board review. These fees are currently estimated at $110,000, but by citing Sig Sauer’s contribution toward public infrastructure improvements, a good case could be made with the Planning Board to waive the estimated $40,000 in Impact Fees.

The following is a summary of Sig Sauer’s net cost avoidance related to the project development.

Year 1 Water Sewer line extension project: $ 250,000 Years 1-5 Full Property Tax versus PILOT Payments: $1,595,990 Years 6-10 Full Property Tax versus PILOT Payments: $ 481,883 Year 1 Permits and Fees: ($110,000) Year 2 Intersection Contribution: ($250,000) Year 3 Intersection Contribution: ($250,000)

Net 10 Year Cost Avoidance: $1,717,873

14 Rochester/Sig Sauer PILOT ten year forecast:

Fiscal Tax Tax Demand Change of Use Total Property Tax PILOT PILOT PILOT SAVINGS Year Year Rate Total Reduction & Renovations Full Assessed Revenue Years 1-5 Years 6-10 TOTALS PILOT VS Assessed Value 30.00% Value Changes Value Full Assessed FY21 2020 $24.75 $8,639,328 ($2,167,328) $0 $6,472,000 $160,182 $0 $0 $0 $160,182 FY22 2021 $25.49 $8,639,328 $0 $5,000,000 $13,639,328 $347,701 $50,000 $0 $50,000 ($297,701) FY23 2022 $26.26 $13,639,328 $0 $0 $13,639,328 $358,132 $50,000 $0 $50,000 ($308,132) FY24* 2023 $27.04 $13,639,328 $0 $0 $13,639,328 $368,876 $50,000 $0 $50,000 ($318,876) FY25 2024 $27.86 $13,639,328 $0 $0 $13,639,328 $379,942 $50,000 $0 $50,000 ($329,942) FY26 2025 $28.69 $13,639,328 $0 $0 $13,639,328 $391,340 $50,000 $0 $50,000 ($341,340) Years 1 to 5 Totals $1,845,990 $250,000 $0 $250,000 ($1,595,990) FY27 2026 $28.69 $13,639,328 $0 $0 $13,639,328 $391,312 $0 $275,000 $275,000 ($116,312) FY28 2027 $28.69 $13,639,328 $0 $0 $13,639,328 $391,312 $0 $284,625 $284,625 ($106,687) FY29* 2028 $28.69 $13,639,328 $0 $0 $13,639,328 $391,312 $0 $294,587 $294,587 ($96,725) FY30 2029 $28.69 $13,639,328 $0 $0 $13,639,328 $391,312 $0 $304,897 $304,897 ($86,415) FY31 2030 $28.69 $13,639,328 $0 $0 $13,639,328 $391,312 $0 $315,569 $315,569 ($75,743) Years 6 to 10 Totals $1,956,562 $0 $1,474,678 $1,474,678 ($481,883)

ALL Totals $3,802,551 $250,000 $1,474,678 $1,724,678 ($2,077,873)

PROPERTY TAX PILOT-ASSUMPTIONS: FY21-Current state of buildings has a 30% Demand Reduction on assessed value. FY22- Occupied under a Manufacturing change of use the Demand Reduction will lapse. Also the change of use and the renovation improvements is estimated to increase assessed value by $5,000,000 FY22/TY21 through FY31/TY30-Assessed value estimate is capped at $13,639,328 FY22/TY21- Tax Rate Estimate increase in 3% through FY26/TY25 FY26-FY31 Tax Rate Estimate capped at $28.69 FY27/TY26-FY31/TY30 PILOT escalator 3.5% * FY24 & FY29 Revaluation Years

15 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS STATE TAX CREDITS

What kind of tax credits does New Hampshire offer?

Research and Development (R & D) Tax Credit

New Hampshire offers an R & D tax credit that follows IRS rules. Based on employee wages related to new R & D, a yearly tax credit up to $50,000 is available.

The amount of the credit is the lesser of 10% of the business organization's qualified manufacturing research and development expenditures or $50,000. Qualified R & D is defined by IRS rules under Section 41, which in part says expenditures are the wages attributable to New Hampshire employees working on new R & D. In any given fiscal year, in the event that the aggregate amount of credits applied for exceeds $2,000,000, then all New Hampshire companies that qualify receive a pro-rated share.

Economic Revitalization Zone (ERZ)

New Hampshire also offers an ERZ tax credit for companies that hire new full time jobs and make capital investment in equipment and real estate in the same calendar year. A city or town has to create geographic area as a zone and them a company can apply each year. Seven Amarosa Drive is in an ERZ.

The maximum tax credit is $240,000 a year, capped at $40,000 with a six year carry forward. The higher the salaries and investment, the higher the credit. The credit is applied to Sig’s corporate tax obligation. The credit can be applied each year there is new full time jobs and new capital investments. If the program is oversubscribed, then all those that qualify receive a pro-rated share.

16 TALENT and N.H. BRAND

The State of New Hampshire is now taking a holistic and aggressive approach to attracting and retaining our next generation workforce. Instead of state and city organizations working in silos, we are taking definitive steps to better align and collaborate with our state agencies, school districts, colleges, and businesses to meet the demands of a new economy. That means being creative and doing things we have not done before. For example, Sig has had a good relationship over the years with Great Bay Community College and University of New Hampshire, but we know more can be done to assist Sig as it grows in Rochester. Below are examples of just a few job categories that Sig currently needs in New Hampshire:

* Packer * Assembler * IT Support * Machine Operator * CMC Programmer

Attracting Talent

The Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) is launching new digital talent attraction strategies including new websites and digital marketing tools aimed specifically at target demographics that match the needs of our employers now and into the future. The platforms are built in a way that enables all partners and stakeholders to take advantage of the state’s well established “Live Free” brand to attract more of one of the most qualified regional workforces in North America to jobs here in New Hampshire. The centerpoint of this strategy is the new “chooseNH.com” website. The site is evolving but for example, Sig can post their job openings, use the new “Live Free” brand, or use the new “Live Free” quality of life video to help attract new employees not living in New Hampshire. We have also added a new features to choosNH.com for a personal income calculator comparing other states.

17 New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES) and Sig Sauer recruitment

We know that Sig has worked with NHES in job recruitment and training programs over the years, but we wanted to provide a brief summary post Covid.

Recruitment

NHES assists employers with posting open positions in the State Labor Exchange and their new online Jobs Portal. The Labor Exchange system includes a virtual recruiter, which does basic screening by matching the information in the job order and the claimant profiles and resumes. NHES also conducts recruitments for employers. During these events, NHES conducts further review of job seeker resumes based on information provided by the employer and either submits the applications/resumes to the employer for interviews or schedules the interviews on behalf of the employer.

Job Training

NHES works with employers to train job seekers through on-the-job training programs. NHES oversees three programs that offer funds for job seeker training and on-the-job training. These are individualized trainings to assist job seekers that may need some refresher training or upskilling to meet the requirements of the job. This allows employers to train new employees on their specific equipment or techniques. An employer is eligible for 50 percent of the cost of training as agreed to in a written contract. The maximum amount varies depending on the program the job seeker is working with – WorkNowNH is $5,000, Trade Act is 50% of the wage based on the occupations and the length of training required, and Dislocated Worker is $5,400 currently. NHES also works closely with the Community College System of NH and State Department of Labor to refer employers to the Apprenticeship programs when appropriate.

18 Young talent and New Hampshire as a place to live and work

When Sig has key job candidates from out of state, we can help Sig’s Human Resources highlight the strong lifestyle assets New Hampshire offers to its residents.

New Hampshire’s lifestyle attracts young talent and families

New Hampshire’s Live Free attitude and beautiful lakes, mountains, and ocean attracts families from around United States and the world. Sig Sauer can leverage these attributes to attract talent to New Hampshire.

19 Attracting high school and community college students

Great Bay Community College (GBCC) is located at Pease with a Rochester location, could enhance Sig’s connection with the college through specific courses that are taught, internships, and or, apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships

The NH Community College System, through funding from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration and the American Association of Community Colleges, is leading efforts to enhance Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for high school and community college students within the advanced manufacturing, automotive technology, construction/infrastructure, healthcare, hospitality, information technology and biomedical sectors.

Sig has an opportunity to work with Great Bay Community College to develop a specific life since program that is tailored for Sig’s needs.

This summer ago New Hampshire received $3.45 million through the U.S. Department of Labor to support high school apprenticeship programs. New Hampshire was one of only twelve states to receive this Tier II grant. Rochester’s Spaulding High is part of this program.

This new grant will help enhance apprenticeship programs that span 30 different occupations and serve up to 315 high school students a year. The earn-while-you-learn model that ApprenticeshipNH employs to help people advance in their field of interest has been very successful in the Granite State.

Specific Courses

There may be an opportunity to work with GBCC to develop a course that applies to precision manufacturing and the firearms industry. As an example, Rochester has recently constructed a state-of-the-art welding lab to meet the demand for welding jobs in New Hampshire. The lab investment includes fourteen, 6 foot self contained welding cells that can produce up to 42 welding graduates each year.

20 Attracting four year degree students from the University of New Hampshire

Virtual Fairs and Signature Events

Whether it is the Career & Internship Fair, Resume Review Day, or the Part-Time & Work Study Job Fair, UNH is a great opportunity to expand Sig’s brand awareness, identify top talent, and recruit UNH Wildcats. Increase Sig’s visibility at UNH while promoting employment opportunities.

Virtual Work Shops

A hands-on way to share your expertise on career-related topics. Workshops are designed to equip students with the right tips and tricks to be more successful for their job or internship search while expanding your brand presence on campus.

Virtual Panels

An interactive way to provide insight about your organization, industry expertise, and best practices for students exploring a similar career path. Panels are offered throughout the year.

Sponsorships

Develop high profile branding on campus and help support high impact services and programming for UNH students. Ways to sponsor include naming opportunities of rooms, career fair booths, and events. Options are available on an annual and biennial basis.

Virtual and On Campus Recruitment Interviews

Recruit on campus to interview students and increase Sig’s brand presence. You can make requests in UNH’s on line job matching services, Handshake. UNH will manage the interview schedule, reserve location and parking, and implement a full marketing campaign.

Information Sessions

Discuss your organization highlights and/or open positions with a targeted group of students by reserving a room on campus. Information sessions are offered throughout the year.

Tabling

Market Sig’s and open positions, meet and identify top talent by reserving a table in a high traffic student area. Tabling is offered throughout the year.

21 Example of UNH virtual job fair fall 2020:

UNH Internships

We have found that companies are more successful with internship programs when they include:

• Consistent on campus branding • Flexibility in hours • Clear learning objectives • Paid internships • The student has a supervisor but more importantly an assigned mentor • The mentor works closely with student and includes milestones and advice

22 UNH Job Shadowing Program:

As the host employer, Sig determines and manages the content and duration of the job shadow experience. Shadowing experiences can be a half to full day, to a few weeks. Here is one shadowing example schedule:

9:00 Welcome and orientation, brief tour of facility

9:30 Meet with professional staff to shadow: Overview of company, culture and department. Discuss agenda and goals of the day

10:00 Shadow staff (could be more than one individual in same/similar role or department). Possible experiences: Overview of job, informational interview, observe team meeting(s), observe customer interaction, visit to local client off-site meetings, etc.

12:00 Wrap-up and lunch. Review experience with student. Provide contact information for students to encourage them to stay connected with the people they shadowed.

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23 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS VARIETY WITHIN PROXIMITY

What is culture and recreation like for companies expanding in New Hampshire?

Within a 90-minute drive, residents in New Hampshire can be hiking the highest mountain peaks in the Northeast, wind surfing along Atlantic Ocean beaches, or having dinner before a concert in Boston’s Italian North End.

In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of New Hampshire breweries (70+) and wineries (20+), as well as a deep embrace of locally sourced food. The popularity of farmer markets has increased over the past several years, as has the farm-to-table movement. The synergy of these industries gives communities new energy and residents a new appreciation for what they can find close to home.

Outside Magazine (9/27/17) named Franconia Notch State Park one of Six Best State Parks in America: Located deep in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Franconia Notch TOP State Park has a little something for everyone. Backpackers can set out on the Appalachian Trail. Boaters can rent a canoe on Echo Lake. Hikers can spot waterfalls in Flume Gorge. In 6 winter, you can ski the longest vertical drop in New Hampshire on the slopes of Cannon Mountain and even winter camp at the park’s Lafayette Campground.

24

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS PRIMARY ADVANTAGES

What does it mean to be the First-in-the-Nation president primary?

“How can you expect me to vote for Similarly, Sig Sauer continues to benefit from someone for President if I’ve only met the opportunity to build relationships not them three or four times?” afforded anywhere else in the country.

That’s the question residents get asked every New Hampshire’s primary is an integral part of four years and represents another truly the economic and cultural fabric of our state, unique offering that will interest your generating enthusiasm, optimism and business: the historic and national community spirit among its workforce. Granite significance of New Hampshire’s First-in- Staters take their responsibility very seriously. the-Nation presidential primary. Since 1920, New Hampshire’s electorate is highly New Hampshire’s presidential primary has educated, highly engaged, and highly influenced national elections, substantially motivated. Voter turnout in the state was 73% contributing to the country’s political in 2016, surpassing the national average of discourse every four years. 60%. The numbers are expected to be higher in 2020 fall elections. The same work ethic and Everyone from incumbent presidents to intellectual curiosity that contributes so candidates for national office visit the state strongly to our economy is consistently on early and often, drawing national and display in our politics at every level. international media coverage. New Hampshire’s presidential primary provides a more intimate understanding and appreciation of national candidates and issues than anywhere else on the campaign trail.

Presidential politics has created valuable exposure for New Hampshire organizations, like FIRST robotics, leading to a national conversation around the importance of STEM education and the development of a 21st century workforce. 26